BS: Heart issue

Subject: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 06:34 PM

Ok had a nuclear stress test done today. my normal blood pressure is perfect, textbook perfect, EKG text book perfect. Then they get the heart stressed out I guess it does some funky beat then immediately recovers. Gotta see the doc on monday but my doc friend said nothing dangerous just have to figure out what is going on after reviewing the scans. Right now their appears no issue with blocked anything ... maybe a wiring issue since it fires wrong .. Anybody ever heard of this ... I know nothing about hearts other than I feel pretty good ... always some darn thing lately

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 07:08 PM

Had arrhythmia problems a while back Dan, a thing called SVT. Had a procedure done in hospital where they attacked my heart via my femoral artery. Problem now solved.
I think LtS has had the same procedure, it's no big deal, in and out, all on the same day.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: gnu
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 07:15 PM

As a non-medical doctor of the human heart, I can attest that Dan has one of the best and biggest hearts of any.

If they didn't kill ya on the treadmill, yer fine.

Besides, ya made it past fifty.... have another.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 07:21 PM

Thats what he called it John SVT ...thanks so much now I can read up on it

Hey Thanks Gnu ... I will plan on another 50 for sure LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: maeve
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 08:12 PM

Another 50...you'd best do that, Dan.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 08:28 PM

Keep us posted Dan.
Meantime, your package arrived at Chez Morse and Jacqui knows it's there.
Another 50, at least.
I'll bake the cake.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 08:51 PM

Dan, I had tachycardia arrhythmia (sp?) - it just meant my electrical system was playing games, not a problem with my heart muscles.

The cardiologist kept repeating 'It's not heart disease' - obviously heart attack/death is the first thought in a person's mind when their heart starts playing silly buggers, so Dr has to reassure patients they're not dying!

My symptoms were incidents of racing heartbeat - some were very quick, others lasted a few minutes. At my 3rd visit to the Emergency Dept it finally showed on a monitor after 10 hours in an uncomfortable bed. The bed next to mine appeared to be reserved for Drunks-who-have-fallen-over-&-might-be-concussed.

My heart was beating in the normal pattern, then suddenly the alarm rung - it went from beating in the 60/70's (normal for me) to a beat of 165 then back to normal!

So I just took beta-blockers for a year or 2 until the cardiologist said he didn't want to see me again.

sandra

My first visit to the hospital was in an ambulance as I panicked & hyperventilated, second & 3rd I got a taxi, I knew it wasn't going to kill me, even tho no one knew what the problem was.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:06 PM

Sandra
thank you, that is what happens to me, then afterwards I get really exhausted. I chocked it up to a chrons attack but i guess it is the heart spikes and goes wacky then jumps back to normal ... Looking forward to getting it fixed hopefully via meds I am sure

Thanks so much hon

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Ferrara
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 10:11 PM

I've had a lot of trouble with SVT myself. In my case the type of SVT was frequent atrial flutters, occasional atrial fibrillations (more serious.) It was eventually fixed by "cardiac ablation," the procedure where they went in via a vein and actually worked on the wiring in my heart. No one ever suggested putting me on beta blockers but the ablation really fixed it -- I could tell things were better, even on the drive home from the hospital.

Since then I have had so much more energy. I think the upper part of my heart was doing extra beats much oftener than I realized. Good to have it under control.

olddude, it sounds as if it's happening pretty often. Worth getting it looked into, I'm glad it showed up on the stress test. Keep us posted. Thanks.

Rita F

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: cptsnapper
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 06:10 PM

I have occasional SVTs and I'm on Flecainide Acetate tablets: mind you , my doctor said that he wasn't sure if they would be much use because SVTs generally don't occur on a particularly regular basis.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: kendall
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 08:51 PM

Dude, hearts of gold never play out, don't worry about it.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: maeve
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 08:55 PM

Nicely put, Kendall. I'll second that observation, Dan.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 10:17 PM

Thank you my friends, I am sure it is no real issue, will see my doc on monday and thank you for helping me understand it. You folks are very kind to tell me about the meds and procedures if need be. I so much appreciate it.

and Kendall you get better soon ... ok ... you said you would pick up and dust off the guitar and do some picking like Will Fly and I did the other day. Gonna hold you to that ...

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: frogprince
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 12:50 AM

Uh..Dan...? My granny had the same problem, and then she died...

(Sorry, couldn't help it, buddy; you'll be fine)

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 08:19 AM

now we wait for the results of your appointment with your Dr.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Will Fly
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 08:50 AM

Dan, I just couldn't resist putting this link in here - tongue in cheek of course...

A Little something For Dan...

Now, I hope I don't have to sing this for you any time in the next 50 years - not that I'll last another 50 years at my age.

Now look after that heart! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 10:24 AM

Can't stop laughing .... Thanks Will, that made me feel better LOL

OMG ... tee hee

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 05:03 PM

Yes, Oldude, John is right, that is what I had done in 2005, called a catheter ablation, to check out what was going on and to "burn out" the things that were causing the arrhythmia or irregular beats. The symptoms were palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, fainting. I had a personal monitor for a week (wore it 24/7, and triggered it to record when I had an 'episode'), various walking, running and lying down tests wired to a monitor, 24 hour stay in hospital wired up to another monitor and finally, the surgical procedure. All I can say about that is that although it was uncomfortable, it was fascinating because I got to watch it all on the screens! The worst part about it was the stubble rash a few days afterwards.

I have an appointment with a cardiac consultant on Thursday, to try and find out why I'm having similar symptoms again when it was supposedly fixed 5 years ago. Good luck with yours and keep us posted.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 05:12 PM

It's very common, Dan..don't worry too much about it. I used to fix those 24 hour ECG monitors on to patients when I worked for the cardiologist. Did them all the time. And as you can see from this thread, you're in good company. Hope it all goes well, and look after yourself. xx

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 07:27 PM

Will! Love your rendition of the old hymn. It's very dear to my heart as when I was a young teen in "Job's Daughters" we closed out every convocation with us all singing that. It was so beautiful. I have such good memories of it. Of course our rendition didn't have nearly as jauntiness as your version. I love your different *takes*.

Dan, nobody here really knows whether you should be concerned or not. Only your doc. I am glad you will see him, tomorrow. Take it easy, eh?

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: maeve
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 08:46 PM

Sleep well, Dan. We'll be here tomorrow.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 10:56 PM

I will let you know, thank you. I am sure it is fine ...
love Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:05 AM

I have atrial fibrillation... which has stabilized thru meds... it used to sound like a drum solo, now it's steady in the 60bpm range... now if I want drums, I go see a couple of 'cats' I know

good luck Dan,

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:12 AM

I just found this thread Dan - hope all goes well today.

I agree with what Kendall said.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:16 AM

Thank you, have to see my doc buddie this afternoon, and he already said a cardio guy also ... I don't see any real problem I think, Spaw called me and like he said if there were a serious problem they would not have let me leave.   Lately when the dang thing flutters I get wiped out and just want to sleep so I will be really happy when it is fixed ...

Love Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:16 PM

My doc buddie is baffled, he cannot rule out a partial blockage but it screams of SVT ... gotta go to a cardio guy and get an echo ... One good thing is that from what he saw the issue is not dangerous in anyway from looking at the scan and completely treatable ... so thats a good thing ... A blockage that would require a cath would show up much more dramatic ... so he said we will setup an appointment with the "smart" guys and see how we should treat ... all and all ok I guess his money is on SVT.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: maeve
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:19 PM

Thank you for your update, Dan. I'm glad your doctor is working with you to solve the problem. Mine didn't believe me.

Now, go make some happy music!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:26 PM

yeah! I get them heart flutters too, and not just when Dan sends me links to his songs.

After 24 hour ECG, Doc said I had about 24 ectopic beats in the 24 hour period. Said not to worry about it. So when I get the night time palpitations, I just get out of bed, walk around a bit until it passes.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 04:11 PM

I had an Echo too, Dan...a while back...turns out it's a problem I've had since I was born, but it's never been a problem as such....just an iregularity that got picked up at a medical one day, so it got checked out..

On the other hand, perhaps my heart flutters because of George Clooney... ;0)

Hey, have you been watching Shania Twain recently? 'Cos you know, it could just be a touch of Shaniaitis, which is a pretty darn common thing for you boys to go down with....

So I've heard..

:0)

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 05:54 AM

One good thing is that from what he saw the issue is not dangerous in anyway from looking at the scan and completely treatable ... so thats a good thing

now we all wait with you.

sending hugs.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: kendall
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:03 AM

WELL! so VT gets flutters at Dan's music? Sniff, next thing you know he will show up at the Getaway A BLACK LEATHER JACKET!

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:02 AM

Interesting thread.
I had my first episode of this back in 1974, about 10 minutes after I had stopped some energetic gardening (really energetic, cutting down long grass with a sickle in high summer, middle of a hot sunny day).
Since then I have averaged about one attack every two years. My longest attack lasted about 15 minutes, which was starting to get scary, my shortest ones don't even get started.
I have had an ECG at one point and told that there was nothing to worry about. One doctor told me that only rally health people got it!
Nobody has suggested any treatment in my case.
I now get about 5 seconds warning of the heart trying to start beating at the wrong rhythm, and I can usually prevent it from doing so by breath control.
It is very hard to describe, it's not just holding your breath but it is similar to how I project my voice when singing, increasing the air pressure in the chest and tension in the chest wall muscles,letting the breath in and out slowly. At least that is how what I do feels to me, I might be deluding myself!

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:04 AM

BBCW - that's what I do... it is really hard to describe how to do it and I find it's easier to do it whilst actually singing something...

Olddude - glad to hear it's nothing immediately worrying, but you are allowed to be a bit concerned, it's your body after all!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:54 AM

Keeping a watch Dan.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 03:28 PM

"I gotta tell ya, you make my heart beat fast"    B. Murdoch

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Amos
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 03:35 PM

Now just a darn minute. Dan is NOT coming to the Getaway in a black leather jacket. It would constitute unfair competition!!! Bobert and I would file a complaint with the FSGW!!!



A

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: frogprince
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 03:40 PM

Just to go by the picture on Dan's page, as a folk singer, he looks more like a hedge fund manager.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Donuel
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 04:22 PM

I happen to be wearing a black leather jacket as I opened this thread. However the heart throb quotient is maybe a 3 on a good day.

Last night CNN had a hasty scroll of breaking news that read;
Chest pains are resting comfortably after experiencing former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:34 PM

Well I am out of the hospital, that sucked, they rushed me down and gave me a Cath,   30% blockage on 2 of the vessels and 60% on the other, and I also have SVT ... they did nothing to repair since it is not bad enough yet to stint ... so just take the meds and change my bad habits ... but my crotch hurts from cutting the artery ... crap

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 11:38 PM

Aw just so ya' ain't bleedin' to death! The worst part of a cath is the lying still on your back for hours on end after it is over. I'm glad they did the cath. They are really excellent for most diagnostic tasks and except for the post-cath part, I have always enjoyed them (yeah, I lost count a long time ago).

See how the meds do. Be especially careful to note any side effects such as shortness of breath or whatever. There are more than just a few meds to use for this so if this one doesn't work or causes you problems, speak up asap. Look up the med you're on for all the info.

Did they do the Echo or not? It shows some things the cath doesn't and vice versa. If they decide they need a thing called a T.E.E., run for cover. A Transesophageal Echocardiogram is done by snaking a tube down your throat and the do the echo through the esophagus wall. Its lovely.

Dan, I'm glad things went well for you. Hopefully the med does the job!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:01 AM

i love you my friend, thank you spaw, i will call you tomorrow, that sucked cause i am having a chrons flair up at the same time. i wanna scream for sure. my doc pulled a fast one on me, had some chest pain and he sent an ambulance .. least i know the crushing pain is chrons, but it sucked having to end up 60 miles away getting a cath after a ride in the ambulance. no echo was done

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 02:25 PM

Spaw,
Thank you, heck I learn more from talking to you in 2 minutes than hours with the docs ... They like to baffle me with foot long medical terms ... you just explain it what it does and what the meds are for. Thanks Bro

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 08:25 AM

Thought that I should mention that drinking ordinary coffee brings on my SVT activity, if I have de-caffeinated I'm fine.
The odd thing is that drinking cola has no effect so I'm not sure that it's actually the caffeine that is the culprit.

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 11:50 AM

Thanks Dan.....and again, I'm happy the way things are going for you! Plus its always nice to know another brother in the Bad Patient Club!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:21 PM

LOL spaw, like the nurse said to me. You are the kindest man in the world but satan when you are in the hospital.   I usually (like now) end up sending a card with my apologies ... I am an awful patient ... just terrible ...

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:09 PM

Old joke about changing bad habits..

"The doctor told me I had to give up wine, women and song.......so I gave up that doctor."

Take care and 'moderate' some of those habits....(no...not the song)

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: olddude
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 02:48 PM

Bill
can't stop laughing , that is a good one, never heard that before LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 03:04 PM

Jaysus... just catching up on the thread. Ya gotta stop the joyriding. Yer scarin me!

Subject: RE: BS: Heart issue
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 05:23 PM

I think Spaw should become your Cardiologist, Dan. :0)

Oh cripes, poor you. xx

I think this is all your denntist's fault.

I think he's got it in for you.

Did you pay him??????

Did he have any little wooden dolls in his surgery the other day, with a tray of pins nearby?


Does he read Mudcat?!

Cripes, that'll be it, he READ that thread you started, about your teeth!

You're in 'Marathon Man II' Dan!

It's all becoming clear now!